Knowing exactly when to pick Cherokee Purple tomatoes0 is the secret to enjoying their legendary, rich flavor. A Cherokee Purple tomato reaches its peak flavor and distinctive dusky color when allowed to fully ripen on the vine. Picking them at the perfect moment means you get a sweet, smoky, and complex taste that makes this heirloom so special. Picking too early leads to disappointment, while waiting too long risks losing your prize to pests or splitting. This guide will walk you through the clear signs of ripeness so you can harvest your tomatoes with confidence.
When To Pick Cherokee Purple Tomatoes0
This is the core question for every gardener growing this variety. The answer isn’t just about a single day on the calendar. It’s about observing a combination of visual, tactile, and seasonal cues. Cherokee Purples have unique characteristics that set them apart from common red tomatoes, and their harvesting signals are slightly different too. Mastering these signs ensures you never miss the ideal harvest window.
The Primary Visual Cues For Ripeness
Your eyes are the first tool you should use. Cherokee Purple tomatoes undergo a distinct color transformation that is your best indicator.
The most reliable sign is a deep, dusky pinkish-purple color with greenish-brown shoulders. Do not expect a uniform, glossy red. The color should look rich and earthy. The “shoulders” (the area around the stem) often retain a green or brownish hue even when the rest of the fruit is fully colored; this is normal for this heirloom.
Look for the blush. The tomato will develop a reddish-purple blush that covers most of the fruit, softening the darker green of its immature stage. The skin may also have a slight iridescent or metallic sheen when it’s ready.
Assessing Color Changes Accurately
Check the tomato in natural daylight, not under artificial lights, which can distort color perception. Gently lift the fruit and look at its underside; this part often colors up last. If the bottom is still pale green or white, it needs more time. A uniform, deep color across the majority of the fruit is your goal.
The Tactile And Physical Tests
After checking color, use your hands. How the tomato feels is just as important as how it looks.
Perform a gentle squeeze test. A ripe Cherokee Purple will yield slightly to a gentle, firm squeeze. It should feel firm but not hard as a rock, and definitely not mushy. Think of the feel of a ripe avocado—a slight give under pressure. Avoid pressing with your fingertips; use the whole palm for a more even pressure to prevent bruising.
Check the texture of the skin. The skin of a ripe tomato may feel a bit softer and less taut than an unripe one. It should not be wrinkled, however, which indicates over-ripeness.
The Stem And Vine Connection
Look at the stem. On a truly vine-ripened tomato, the stem may start to look a little woody or brown where it connects to the fruit. Sometimes, a small crack or “star” will form around the stem. This is often a sign that the sugars are highly concentrated and the tomato is at its peak, but you should pick it soon after this appears.
Test the ease of picking. A ripe tomato will detach from the vine with a gentle, upward twist. If you have to tug or pull hard, it is likely not ready. The joint at the stem should separate cleanly.
Timing And Seasonal Considerations
While visual and tactile signs are primary, the calendar and weather play supporting roles. Cherokee Purples are typically mid-to-late season tomatoes, often taking 80-90 days from transplant to first ripe fruit.
Count the days from flowering. After the yellow flower drops and a small green fruit sets, you can expect roughly 45-60 days for full ripeness, depending on your local weather conditions. Hotter weather can accelerate ripening, while cooler, cloudy stretches will slow it down.
Monitor late-season weather. As fall approaches, you face a choice. If a hard frost is forecast, you should pick all tomatoes that have started to show color (called the “breaker stage”) and ripen them indoors. A light frost might damage the plant but fruits that are harvested in time can still ripen inside.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Harvesting
Even experienced gardeners can make errors. Here are the key pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Picking based solely on size: A big tomato is not necessarily a ripe tomato. Always use color as your main guide.
- Harvesting in the heat of the day: Tomatoes are firmest in the morning. For the best texture and storage, pick them after the dew dries but before the afternoon heat.
- Pulling the fruit straight off: Always twist gently. Yanking can damage the vine and future fruiting branches.
- Ignoring small cracks: A small concentric crack around the stem is usually okay and indicates peak sweetness. But deep splits on the side can invite rot and pests; pick these fruit immediately.
The Stages Of Ripeness And When To Intervene
Understanding the progression helps you decide when to pick for different needs.
Mature Green Stage
The fruit is full-sized and has a glossy, deep green hue, sometimes with a whitish sheen. The seeds inside are developed. At this stage, it can be picked for frying (green tomatoes) or for long-distance shipping, but it will not develop full Cherokee Purple flavor if ripened off the vine.
Breaker Stage
This is the first sign of color change. A slight pinkish or reddish blush appears on less than 10% of the skin. From this point on, the tomato will continue to ripen off the vine with good flavor. This is the stage to pick if birds or squirrels are a problem, or if bad weather is coming.
Turning Stage
Color covers 10-30% of the surface. The tomato is well on its way. Picking now and letting it ripen on your counter will still result in a very good tasting tomato, though perhaps slightly less complex than vine-ripened.
Full Color (Ripe) Stage
The ideal stage for fresh eating. The tomato shows its full, dusky purple-pink color on most of its surface, yields to gentle pressure, and detaches easily. This is when to pick Cherokee Purple tomatoes0 for immediate use.
How To Properly Harvest And Handle
Correct technique protects both the fruit you pick and the plant that will produce more.
- Use clean, sharp garden shears or a knife for a clean cut, especially if the stem doesn’t snap easily. This prevents tearing.
- Leave a short piece of stem attached to the tomato. This slows moisture loss and prevents a open spot where decay can start.
- Place harvested tomatoes in a shallow container. Do not pile them deep, as the weight can bruise the bottom fruits.
- Handle them like eggs. Their skin is relatively thin and they bruise more easily than some hybrid varieties.
- Wipe them clean with a dry cloth if needed, but do not wash them until you are ready to use them. Washing removes the natural bloom that protects them.
What To Do With Picked Tomatoes
Your action after picking depends on the ripeness stage at harvest.
For vine-ripened, full-color tomatoes: Use them within 1-3 days for the absolute best flavor. Store them at room temperature, stem-side down, out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate, as cold temperatures destroy their texture and flavor compounds.
For tomatoes picked at the breaker or turning stage: Place them in a single layer in a cardboard box or on a counter at room temperature. You can add a banana or apple to the container; the ethylene gas they emit will speed up ripening. Check them daily. Once they reach full color, use them promptly.
For end-of-season green harvest: Wrap individual mature green tomatoes in newspaper or place them in a single layer in a cool, dark place (like a basement). Check weekly for ripeness. This process can take several weeks.
Troubleshooting: Problems And Solutions
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to handle common issues.
Tomatoes Are Splitting
Splitting is often caused by irregular watering—a dry period followed by a heavy rain or deep watering. The fruit expands too quickly for the skin to handle. If you see splits, pick the affected fruit immediately, even if it’s not fully ripe, to prevent insect or fungal damage. You can cut away the cracked portion and use the rest.
Fruit Is Still Green At Season’s End
If frost threatens and fruits are still solid green, you can pull the entire plant and hang it upside down in a garage or shed. Many tomatoes will continue to ripen. Alternatively, pick all the mature green fruits and use them for recipes like fried green tomatoes or green tomato chutney.
Birds Or Squirrels Taking Bites
If pests are beating you to the harvest, pick your tomatoes as soon as they hit the breaker stage and ripen them indoors. You can also try protective netting on the plants as the fruits start to color.
Tomatoes Feel Soft Or Mushy
This is a sign of over-ripeness or the beginning of rot. Pick and compost any mushy fruit immediately to prevent disease from spreading to other tomatoes on the vine. Over-ripe tomatoes can sometimes be salvaged for sauce if the bad parts are cut away.
Storing Your Cherokee Purple Harvest
Proper storage extends your enjoyment. Never store ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator. The cold air breaks down the membranes inside the fruit, leading to a mealy texture and loss of the sweet, smoky flavor you worked so hard for.
For short-term storage (2-4 days), keep them on a counter out of the sun. For slightly longer storage, place stem-end down on a cool, dark pantry shelf. This position helps prevent moisture loss from the scar where the stem was attached.
If you have an abundance, consider preservation. Cherokee Purples make excellent sauce, salsa, or canned crushed tomatoes due to their rich flavor and high solids content. They can also be frozen: simply wash, core, and freeze whole on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Tell When A Cherokee Purple Tomato Is Ripe?
Look for a deep dusky purple-pink color with greenish-brown shoulders. The fruit should yield slightly to a gentle squeeze and detach from the vine with ease. The skin may have a slight sheen.
Will Cherokee Purple Tomatoes Ripen Off The Vine?
Yes, they will ripen off the vine if picked at or beyond the “breaker” stage (when the first blush of color appears). Their flavor will be good, though many argue it is best when vine-ripened. Tomatoes picked completely green will not develop their full flavor profile.
What Is The Best Time Of Day To Pick Tomatoes?
The best time is in the morning, after any dew has dried but before the heat of the afternoon. The fruits are firmest then and will store better. Avoid picking them when they are hot from the sun.
Why Are My Cherokee Purple Tomatoes Staying Green?
Persistently green fruit can be caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer (which promotes leafy growth over fruiting), temperatures consistently above 90°F or below 50°F, or insufficient sunlight. Ensure your plants get at least 8 hours of direct sun and use a balanced fertilizer once fruit sets.
Can You Eat Cherokee Purple Tomatoes When They Are Green?
You can eat them green, but they will be tart and firm, lacking the characteristic sweet, smoky flavor. They are excellent for frying or using in relishes, similar to other green tomatoes. For fresh eating, waiting for full color is essential.